Deputy Head of Carnivores

Wingham Wildlife Park

South East
Closing date for applications is: 31st Dec 2025
Contact: Mr Matthew Jay ) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £32,081.40 PA

We are looking for an ambitious individual to join our animal care team. If you want to be part of one of the UK's fastest growing zoos and are interested about the prospect of being part of something new. This section includes species such as Tigers, Lion, Jaguars, Cheetahs, Pumas, Otters, Binturong, Caracal, Clouded Leopards, Servals, Asian Palm Civet, Geoffroys Cats, Eurasian Lynx, Arctic Wolves, and Asiatic Black Bears.

The Role
Taking a hands-on approach to ensuring that animal care is conducted to the high standards we expect on a day-to-day basis. Leading a team and supervising all aspects of animal husbandry, and public engagement with duties including but not limited to.

• Managing all areas of animal husbandry within the carnivore department when the Head of Carnivores is not present and making decisions/changes to ensure the smooth operation of the section.
• Liaising with the Head of Carnivores and Head Keeper to ensure that diets are prepared and given out correctly.
• Assisting the Head of Carnivores and Head of Training with implementing training plans within the department and ensuring that all staff are following these procedures correctly.
• Ensuring correct medication is given to animals and liaising with the Head Keeper/Head of Carnivores if any concerns.
• Ensuring enclosure security and reporting any concerns immediately.
• Communicating with the Head Keeper any stock that needs ordering, including dry stock and fresh produce.

In addition, you will also

• Report directly to the Head Keeper, Curator and Directors when the Head of Carnivores is not present.
• Train and develop a team of up to 5 keepers under your supervision.
• Assist the Head Keeper and Head of Carnivores with conducting performance reviews of staff and suggest improvements.
• Supervise apprentices, volunteers and interns when on section, including during the interview process.
• Engage with visitors and develop public keeper talks.
• Ensure all paperwork is kept up to date and correctly filled in.
• Assisting to plan how the section is run with the Head of Carnivores and Head Keeper.
• Attending the daily end of day meeting.

What You Need To Be Considered For The Role

• Proven experience working with carnivores in a zoological setting for at least 2 years.
• Some experience managing a team of people, preferably 1 year or more.
• Be a team player with the ability to motivate your team whilst under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Some IT skills with a working knowledge of Zims is desirable (however full training will be given).

Benefits

• Permanent Contract
• 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• In house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses
• Free staff parking
• Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year.
• Uniform
• 30% staff food discount
• 40% staff drinks & snacks discount
• 20% animal experiences discount
• 10% gift shop discount

This full-time position (45 hours per week) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. This position also requires people to be able to work on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.

Apply For This Job
All applications to be addressed for the attention of Mr Matthew Jay to along with a covering letter, CV, and a list of all species you have worked with.

For applications to this job please use reference DEPUTY in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded.

You must be eligible to work in the UK.

This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible. All successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an interview. Our interviews consist of a full day practical element as well as a formal interview.

Unfortunately, we are unable to give comment on unsuccessful applications.